The moment the nurse carried my newborn into recovery, my mother recoiled. “We will never acknowledge a fatherless child,” she said. My father folded his arms. “And we will never hold that baby.”

“You attempted to obtain control through coercion and concealment,” the attorney said. “The matter has been referred to the special committee.”

My father turned toward Elias. “Surely we can resolve this privately.”

“Vale Capital has withdrawn from the riverfront project,” Elias replied. “Your banks were notified this morning.”

The champagne bottle slipped from Grant’s hand and smashed against the floor.

One of the investigators stepped toward him. “Grant Mercer, we have warrants to seize your business devices and records. You must preserve all evidence.”